"In these times of tough budget problems, other states should do what Maryland did, raise money in a way that saves lives," DeMarco said. "This alcohol tax increase will save many lives and raise enough money to fund critical health care and community service needs."... Read more »

The Lorraine Sheehan Alcohol Tax Coalition commends the Maryland General Assembly for voting to raise an alcohol specific tax for the first time in 40 years. We urge Governor Martin O'Malley to sign this life-saving measure.... Read more »

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Two Maryland state senators urged lawmakers on a House committee on Friday to approve an increase in the state’s sales tax on alcohol that would generate money to help the developmentally disabled and steer millions of dollars in the next fiscal year to increase education funding, as the General Assembly’s session […]... Read more »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 24, 2011 In a great victory for public health in Maryland, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee today voted favorably on life-saving legislation to increase an alcohol specific tax for the first time in forty years. Sponsored by Senators Verna Jones-Rodwell and Rich Madaleno, Senate Bill 994 will over the next […]... Read more »

The evidence is overwhelming: Increasing alcohol taxes is a win-win for the state. They raise needed revenues, and they reduce alcohol abuse and related problems, saving lives, reducing underage drinking and helping the people of Maryland lead safer and more productive lives.... Read more »

Special thanks to Ms. Virginia Richardson of Montgomery HealthCare Action and River Road Unitarian Universalist Church who was interviewed for this segment. Great work Virginia! You're a terrific advocate!... Read more »

The Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative, run by proponents who successfully pushed for a doubling of Maryland's $1-per-pack cigarette tax four years ago, jump-started its campaign during the 2010 election season, coaxing dozens of first-time and incumbent lawmakers to sign pledges to use a "dime-a-drink" alcohol tax to restore recession-era cuts to drug- and alcohol-treatment and mental-health programs.... Read more »

"There are thousands of people disabled people waiting for supplies and services," Ken Capone, the public policy coordinator for People on the Go, told NBC Washington's Chris Gordon. "The dime a drink tax will help them."... Read more »

Montgomery Count Executive Ike Leggett and Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker appeared with religious leaders and state senators from Prince George's and Baltimore city at St. Anne's Episcopal Church near the Maryland State House to speak out in favor of legislation to direct proceeds to health initiatives and caring for the developmentally disabled.... Read more »